it's his new album, comes out on feb. 8.

AND ITS GORGEOUS AND GREAT AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY ALL GO PRE-ORDER IT AND DRINK YOURSELF SILLY UNTIL YOU HAVE IT BECAUSE THESE NEXT TWO WEEKS, HEATED WITH ANTICIPATION, WILL BE INSIGNIFICANT ANYWAY.

ok, but seriously, it's a very involved, perfectionist's album. it moves, its romantic, and quirky. drake, devandra, merritt, sexsmith, wainwright.

and for me he sings "the happy birthday song":
"when i wake up in the morning, i pour the cofee, read the paper. then i slowly and so softly do the dishes. fee the fishes. sing me happy birthday, sing it like it's going o be your last day like its hallelujah. don't just let it pass on through ya. it's a giant among cliches and that's why i want you to sing it anyway. sing me happy birtthday 'cuase hell what's it all about anyway. sing me happy birthday happy birthday like it's gonna be your last day here on earth."

i still haven't accepted some of the studio versions of the songs that i've grown to love as his solo songs, but that aside, it's a pretty darn nice record.

KPH

I'm glad i got to be around these sessions, just to see how they go about mic placement for different instrumentation, blah blah blah. Andrew Bird is a very nice man.

I hope he goes far, you buy this album, and you like it. Cause then maybe he'll record the next one with wall to wall too, which would be awesome.

interesting you would mention being around the recording - why the f couldn't they ground the left channel guitar amp (i think spec. on masterfade)? i mean, it's not the end of the world, but i was kinda surprised to hear that.
/nerd

how did he go about recording the drums? there's a variety of drum sounds on there, which is impressive...

KPH

He used one amp in particular that was like a mini hammond extension cabinet. Old piece, not the greatest wiring, no ground, and the tubes had gone a little microphonic.

I think it's a cool imperfection.

There were numerous mics on each piece, alot of old ribbon mics too which sound darker, i remember the Bang Olafsen got used alot and sounded cool as hell. Bass drum was 2-3 mics, I remember a U-47 Fet in addition to a D-112. SM-81 on the hat is pretty standard at the studio, but it might have been something different. Doubt it though. Definitely Coles Ribbon Mics for overheads, maybe C414s on the toms. Snare was top and bottom miked, but i wouldn't hazard a guess on what they used.

AB is getting better and better. I saw a few of the new songs live a few months ago, but I can't wait to hear this entire album.

Another one on my to-buy list. This list is getting longer and longer. CD buying is gonna be the death of me.

Never heard a single tune by that guy. He pays Schuba's like once a month doesn't he?

prolly. look on the left of this page for tour dates (he's touring with label-mate ani difranco, who actually puts on a good show).

this album is awesome...better than weather systems in my opinion.

that is the only other andrew bird that i own. maybe it's time to look into his earlier releases. any advice on which to look into first?

www.bowloffire.com is his website...

KPH

... because i am a moron. thnks, kph.

i was gonna ask for the weblink...

I thought Ani DiFranco was on her own label "Righteous Babe" or something like that. While looking at his site, I see it is on her label.

difranco started that label.

I would check out The Swimming Hour---I actually like it a little better than Weather Systems.